Best Anemometers · head-to-head

Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer is cheaper at $37.11. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter or HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer is the cheaper at $37.11.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.

Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer
US price $209 $37.11
BrandKestrelHoldPeak
Released
Wind speed range ms 0.6 to 40.0 m/s (1.3-89.5 mph); operational to 60.0 m/s 0.3 to 30 m/s (59-5905 ft/min)
Airflow cfm cmm
Velocity accuracy Larger of ±3% of reading or 20 ft/min ±5% of reading
Sensor type Rotating vane (impeller) Rotating vane
Temperature range -10 to 55 °C (14 to 131 °F), ±0.5 °C accuracy -10 to 45 °C (14 to 113 °F), ±3.6 °F accuracy
Data hold logging No built-in logging on base 3500 (shows current/max/min/avg); optional USB/RS-232 PC interface cable sold separately for one-way data transfer Max/Min/Average hold; no onboard logging
Backlit display Yes Yes

Sources — Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter: kestrelinstruments.com (verified 2026-08-09). HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer: holdpeak.com (verified 2026-08-09).

What's the difference between the Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter and HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Wind speed range ms: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter 0.6 to 40.0 m/s (1.3-89.5 mph); operational to 60.0 m/s vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer 0.3 to 30 m/s (59-5905 ft/min)
  • Velocity accuracy: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter Larger of ±3% of reading or 20 ft/min vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer ±5% of reading
  • Sensor type: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter Rotating vane (impeller) vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer Rotating vane
  • Temperature range: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter -10 to 55 °C (14 to 131 °F), ±0.5 °C accuracy vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer -10 to 45 °C (14 to 113 °F), ±3.6 °F accuracy
  • Data hold logging: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter No built-in logging on base 3500 (shows current/max/min/avg); optional USB/RS-232 PC interface cable sold separately for one-way data transfer vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer Max/Min/Average hold; no onboard logging

← All anemometers compared · Open data